• A two-day workshop will help facilitate meaningful communication between nurses, chaplains, pastoral carers, other aged care workers and those with dementia through spiritual reminiscence

A two-day workshop will help facilitate meaningful communication between participants and people with dementia through Spiritual Reminiscence.

The unique event will be held by the Centre for Ageing and Pastoral Studies (CAPS) in the Charles Sturt University Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture for nurses, chaplains, pastoral carers and other aged care workers on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 September.

Spiritual reminiscence is a way of communicating and storytelling which acknowledges the person as a spiritual being to create more meaningful engagement.

Participants will learn to facilitate spiritual reminiscence from leaders in the field, including Professor Elizabeth MacKinlay, AM, Director of CAPS and both a registered nurse and a priest in the Anglican Church of Australia, as well as Elizabeth Pringle, Managing Director of Improvement Matters.

Professor MacKinlay said the workshop will teach participants practical skills for engaging with people with dementia in a more meaningful way.

“One of the biggest challenges for people living with dementia is trying to find meaning in the midst of this condition,” she said.

“Spiritual reminiscence is a powerful means of helping them to connect with their life’s meaning.

“By engaging in storytelling and spiritual reminiscence, we honour the unique lives and experiences of those with dementia, helping them find meaning in the midst of cognitive change, and focussing on abilities and hope, rather than decline and despair.”

Professor MacKinlay said the benefits of spiritual reminiscence are extensive, enhancing a person’s overall wellbeing significantly and helping them to connect with others.

“It improves communication and creates a space for individuals with dementia to connect with others who share similar experiences,” she said.

“These shared connections can provide solace and validation, as well as build friendships and a real sense of community.”

The workshops will run from 9am to 4pm on both days, in the Chambers Pavilion at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Barton, ACT.

Two training videos will also be used in the workshop, demonstrating real-life scenarios of a chaplain facilitating spiritual reminiscence with a group of people with mild to moderate dementia.

Tickets are now discounted, down to $1600 for corporate groups, $900 for individuals and $450 for concessions, with training videos also available for purchase at $200.

Limited spaces are available with registration essential, via this link.

ENDS